What you want to have priced out is a Single Roll Bartop in a 26" size (comes in 30" also if you're going for deeper counters). Anyone who orders even a couple of laminate countertops and reads the specs should know that, but unfortunately, big boxes don't always have the brightest bulbs. That's a "regular" countertop with only one postformed edge. There is no backsplash, just an unfinished back edge. Because it's postformed, it can come in any of the postformed edges and doesn't have to be a custom edge like the square of bevel---which to confuse you further can also be postformed but are typically field created for a larger profit margin. A post formed edge counter is one "manufactured" by a large distrubutor in a facility with heat and pressure to create a rounded type edge. It's purchased locally in "blanks" to be fabricated by local fabricators. They are the preformed counters you see in most big boxes, but come in many more colors and edges than your typical big box carries. The two big players in the industry are Hartson-Kennedy and and VT Industries. For the Wilsonart product in a special order color (most colors) with no installation, you should be looking at around $8-15 a square foot, depending on which edge you choose. If you have a tricky kitchen, like a U shaped one where the middle needs to fit exactly, or have a drop in range or other specialty cutout or angle, or a bartop peninsula meeting a regular top it's worth it to get the countertops measured and installed by a professional. For most any other type of simple kitchen with maybe a 90° angle or two, DIY makes sense if you can measure accurately.

I'm having the same problem. I'm sitting here with tile samples in front of me and decided to go to GW and see what others have said about Grazia tile-Rixi Crema in particular. I also have two Sonoma Tile brochures on my desk and can't decide if I like their Star crackled subway tiles more than Grazias. My counters are soapstone with green veining so I'm torn between the cream and green colors. The remainder of our kitchen remodel is on hold while we try and choose the backsplash that will tie everything together. Any opinions on these two? BTW, your kitties look very much like the Maine Coon cat's that my sister and cousin own. I think I'll stop by the Sonoma County Animal Shelter and see if they have any others. They're gorgeous!

When talking backsplash concepts, no one asked you what decorative items will you display in your beautiful kitchen. Do you collect china, baskets, pottery, or change decor themes seasonally? Will you ever change your backsplash again, or will it be the same one as long as you own this home? What is your design inspiration for this room? (Artwork, soft furnishing fabrics, or collected items like :Portmerion China with green, blue splatterware, gorgeous pottery with colorful glazes, Fiesta Ware?) The design world is offering new choices at the fastest pace ever. (Thanks to being able to share new designs immediately via the internet.) Will you regret installing something that is the "latest flash in the pan"? Mosaics in general fall into this category. The 60's one inch mosaic tiles, the 70's use of orange, gold and avocado, the 80's and 90's embossed tiles, then the introduction of the first water jet cut tiles that have led to the high end stone mosaics. Tile shape-square, diamond, subway running bond, pencil strips, each speak to an era. But the important thing to remember: this is your kitchen. Unless you built to flip it, you are the only one who has to love it. Keep in mind what really tickles you. What really excites you in the way of style? Stay on that path. Your kitchen has a very traditional feel to it. Will the use of any glass tiles date it too quickly? Some current trends disappear sooner than others. It takes a good tilesetter to install certain mosaics. Some of the glass tiles on the market have a color layer behind the glass, rather that being "true color glass". It you are very picky these may not please you once installed. (The color layer shreds when cut on some I've installed for a friend). I like the mosaic on the right, too. It seems rich, yet neutral. I've had my soapstone counters for about 12 years. I didn't want the "shiny granite" look in my kitchen, The splotchy look will come and go, depending on how much oil or wax has washed off. It will take semi regular sealing or oiling to keep the consistent dark color. (Which I prefer, but not all do.) The counters are "very soft", and will get dinged up pretty good. I wanted an "old farm house" feel, and I got it. When the chips on the counter bother you, sand them a bit. I have used a nail file on the chips on the edges, which then make it easier for the oil to be absorbed there. (Continue sanding with finer grits to smooth as desired.) I don't mind the dings, I just don't want them to stand out as white against a predominantly black countertop. Have fun as you continue. Remember, the only "right answer" is what pleases you for your lovely workspace.

First for your own planning sake, you need to get your undercounter lights in if you are going to have them and you should try to turn off the flash in your camera, which is flattening how your kitchen looks. Second, I am not a granite person either, but I think it's worth your while to look at the pics of Positano's lovely kitchen. She does have Costa Esmeralda, but the green seems to be a very greyish olive and the pattern is subtle. Even if you don't like the stone, it will give you sense of what a polished surface in a medium tone would look like with cabinets, floors, and lighting conditions not dissimilar to yours. Your cabinets are beautiful, and I think when you get the lighting as you want it, you will find that you have lots of options for counters and backsplash. Best of luck. Here is a link that might be useful: cucina di Positano.